Newcastle must meet Manchester City’s hefty price for Reijnders

Newcastle United have been told that Manchester City have set an asking price for Netherlands international Tijjani Reijnders, and only a big‑money offer at the Etihad Stadium this summer would make the club consider cashing in on the midfielder currently.

Manchester City signed Reijnders from AC Milan last summer, a move widely praised as one of the most astute pieces of recruitment that window and a clear statement of the Blues’ ambition to acquire a player who had become one of Europe’s most complete central midfielders during his time in Italy.

The 28‑year‑old Dutchman contributed five goals and two assists across 26 Premier League appearances in his debut campaign, a tally that belies his deeper influence on the team’s structure and his ability to operate in multiple midfield roles.

City’s strategy this summer is to strengthen the midfield rather than weaken it, a plan underscored by the £116 million signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest and by active pursuit of further additions, leaving little appetite for letting an established figure depart.

Newcastle’s interest in Reijnders follows their recent acquisition of Sandro Tonali, a deal that saw the Magpies beat Manchester City for the midfielder and reflects their ambition to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level of English football and in Europe.

Director of football Hugo Viana and newly‑appointed manager Enzo Maresca view Reijnders as central to their plans, and Pete O’Rourke noted that a “big money offer would have to come in” for City to consider a sale, suggesting the player is not at the top of Newcastle’s reinforcement list.

If City retain Reijnders, they preserve the depth and versatility that Maresca deems essential for his first season, while Newcastle will likely need to redirect resources toward targets that are both available and affordable, as the price tag appears beyond their current reach.